A Game Of Chance To Help A Child

As anyone familiar with the idyllic Norton Commons neighborhood can attest, the opportunity to call one of the area’s spectacular new houses “home” can hold an irresistible draw. But after this Saturday, not only will one lucky individual or family discover that betting on that possibility has paid off, potentially thousands of children will benefit from the services made possible through others’ participation in a worthwhile game of chance.

Located at 10705 Impatiens St. in Norton Commons, the Kosair Children’s Hospital Home is a three bedroom, two-and-a-half bath dream home built by Colin Osborn of Traditional Homes LLC, valued at just over $400,000, and known as “the house that love built” to those involved with the project. Numerous local businesses and professionals donated their time, skills and materials to help construct the residence, to be given away in a special fundraising effort by the Children’s Hospital Foundation, a nonprofit organization which supports the work of Kosair Children’s Hospital.

On Nov. 17, those who have purchased a $100 raffle ticket will be entered into a drawing for the chance to win either the Kosair Children’s Hospital Home or a 2013 Sam Swope BMW 1 Series, its trunk filled with $10,000 cash. The house will be open to the public on the day of the drawing, from noon until 3 p.m., and those attending will be entered into an additional drawing for a $10,000 shopping spree courtesy of Burdorf’s Furnishings & Flooring. Winners will be drawn that evening at the Snow Ball Gala, a black-tie event featuring an auction, dinner and dancing.

“This year our festival, and the Snow Ball, and home and car raffle are benefitting our pediatric cancer program, so all the dollars that are raised through this effort and through the festival will directly support the oncology program at Children’s,” enthused Lynnie Meyer, chief development officer for the Children’s Hospital Foundation. Because Kosair Children’s Hospital serves all patients, regardless of ability to pay, fundraising efforts are a crucial part of ensuring Kosair has the equipment, programs, facilities, research and education necessary to ensure the more than 120,000 kids treated there annually receive the best care possible.

A step inside “the house that love built” confirms that its purpose, and the mission of the many volunteers involved in its creation, were never far from consideration as its many pieces came together. Inside the welcoming yellow walls of the open combination dining and sitting room, wooden and copper accents provided by Burdorf’s, who designed the home’s interior, convey warmth and a sense of home as natural light streams in through the numerous large windows. Colorful backsplash tiles, rich wooden cabinets by P.T. Bourke’s Woodwork and stainless steel appliances by Trend Appliances Co. make the airy kitchen a perfect space for entertaining.

Down the hall, an inviting master bedroom and bath continue the trend of warm tones and natural light. A spacious walk-in closet offers plenty of room for any couple, whether they are fashion enthusiasts or budget-conscious savers. Up the stairs to the second floor, a special series of framed photos, of children treated at Kosair Children’s Hospital, hangs amidst the mounted words, “hope,” “faith” and “love” to serve as a reminder of the home’s true purpose.

The sports-themed child’s bedroom on the right showcases a beautiful stained glass window created by Twin Glass Studio, a business in Norton Commons that has a personal connection to the Children’s Hospital. Named after the owners’ twin children, who spent time in Norton’s neonatal intensive care unit, Twin Glass Studio felt compelled to donate the window, which is decorated with ornaments made with the help of hospital patients, along with the hospital’s signature hot air balloon logo. Burdorf’s designer, Velma Watkins, donated her own high school Powderpuff football jersey to hang on the wall to add her own signature to the room.

Across the open hall, which offers well-lit space for a home office or cozy retreat, sits the “glitzy room,” a favorite of young girls who have toured the house because of its sparkling mirrored furnishings and elegant chandelier. Downstairs and out back, a pergola built by Bolton Home Improvement offers a shady spot to relax, while inside the two-car garage sits the 2013 BMW that one lucky winner will take home after the raffle, along with $10,000.

And while the grand prize, the home, is incredible all on its own, the Norton Commons location is the icing on the cake for ticket-holders. Explained Meyer, “I think people talk about Norton Commons in terms of sense of community, and having an urban feel, where they can get out and interact with their neighbors, walk to restaurants and have this beautiful park. …Being able to be here in a beautiful new house that’s energy efficient and designed with all the modern standards, but is in a neighborhood where you have a sense of connection to community.”

“You know, when I say it’s the house that love built, really there are people around this house who are here because they believe in the mission of the hospital – and they wouldn’t do it otherwise,” she smiled. “And so that’s what makes it most special of all.”

The Kosair Children’s Hospital Home is located at 10705 Impatiens St., and will be open Saturday, Nov. 17 from noon to 3 p.m. To purchase your raffle ticket, call 502.629.KIDS or visit www.helpkosiarchildrenshospital.com. The drawing will be held at the Snow Ball, Nov. 17 at the Louisville Marriott Downtown. You do not need to be present to win.

Inside the two-car garage sits the 2013 BMW that one lucky winner will take home after the raffle, along with $10,000.

Inside the two-car garage sits the 2013 BMW that one lucky winner will take home after the raffle, along with $10,000.